Oil light troubles - or more?

fgable · May 17, 2000

Kubota L245dt, diesel (850 hours). 5 minutes after starting the tractor, oil light comes on at idle. Can rev engine and oil light flickers out and stays out while reving engine. After 15 minutes of running, oil light on constantly. Did not try shutting off and trying this procedure again. No change in engine sounds. Could the sensor be bad? The ring lug connector was broken off of sensor and I replaced it (cleaned contact points when replaced). Connector is tight. If oil pump problem, is pump usually external? Are pumps a hard replacement? It appears external in my manual, but the exploded view is a bit confusing. Thanks all!

MChalkley · May 17, 2000

It could be the sensor, but the symptoms indicate low oil pressure, since sensors usually, but not always, don't fail this way.

What kind of oil are you using, and what is the outside temperature? How long as this been happening? Did it start suddenly or has it been gradual?

Mark

W5FL · May 18, 2000

Check the threads where the oil sensor screws in, put a mechanical oil pressure gauge in it's place and see what is really going on. Regular oil and filter changes usually prevent the formation of oil pump screen blocking sludge.

I have no idea how you get to your pump, but on my last tractor, you removed the front wheels, front axle, radiator, front casting, and then you could get to the oil pan which weighed over 100 pounds. Had to do all of that to replace the gaskets on the front and rear of the oil pan that were leaking. I could have replaced the oil pump in another 15 minutes. It took a couple of nights to tear the tractor down to that point. Had to do it on the grass 300 feet from the house. Would sure be nice if the oil pump just bolted on and went down into the pan, but I have not seen one done that way, but this was 20 year old tractors.

fgable · May 21, 2000

pulled out the sensor, started it, pumped some oil through and light stayed off

gordon · May 21, 2000

This might be a dumb question but was the light off with the sensor out or did you replace the sensor after doing the oil pump thru trick? Your engine might be gummed up be careful.
Just remember sensors are just that sensors not gauges to get a good feel as to what the engine is really doing install a gauge in the hole with the sensor removed or install a tee and have both the sensor and a gauge. Sensors are a low pressure indacator very low usually 4-12 pounds and that is very low. Alot of times by the time the light has come on engine damage has already been done!!!!/w3tcompact/icons/frown.gif
Gordon

fgable · May 22, 2000

I did not notice if the light was on or off with the sensor removed. I do have a pressure gauge that I am gonna hook up and see whats really happening. I'll take note of the indicator light when I put the gauge in. I guess what your getting at is if the sensor is working correctly (on when removed?). The light seems to function now (on when engine off and off when engine on) I'll contact my dealer for the correct pressures.(?) Thanks for the T idea. Also, could you pls explained gummed up more (bearings?/cam?/valves?/or all) so I know what to be suspicious/cautious of and what you were leading to?
frank

W5FL · May 23, 2000

The suggestion made to use a T and connect both the light and gauge is a really good one. You will be able to see what the pressure is when the light comes on and goes off.

If the oil coming out the hole is really sludgy, drain and replace the oil and filter and try again. Oil is cheap. There are flush chemicals available, but let's hope that no one allowed a tractor to get to the point that it needs that.

Don't count on your dealer having the answer on the allowable pressue. The shop manual should specify it, but many do not.

Anonymous Poster · May 23, 2000

Though I would give my 2 cents on the oil pressure issue. I have an old B6000 that the pressure is on the low side. Dealer says 35 to 40 pounds at full throttle is normal. Pressure switch will not light the indicator light until under 10 pounds. Mine runs around 20 when hot and slightly under 10 pounds at idle. Low pressure but the tractor continues to run. A truck driver told me his engine manufacture said the engine would run fine in his truck down to about 15 psi and not to worry unless it began to make strange noises. If you try to fit a T and a guage you will run into trouble because if your tractor is like mine the block hole is metric. It is very close to standard pipe with the same threads per inch but a slightly smaller diameter. I was able to slightly turndown a pipe fitting and use some sealant to get it to work. Pressure swithches are cheap and I would suggest changing yours--mine had the light on all the time before I changed it! Hope that helps.

Bird · May 23, 2000

An engine manufacturer "said not to worry unless it began to make strange noises." I'd say that'd definitely be the time to worry, but wouldn't that be just a tiny bit too late?/w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

Bird